LHL comments received after 04 21 17St. Croixr4River
A S S ( ) C I A T 1 0 \ Advocating for conservation throughout the iratershed
April 19, 2017
Mayor Christine Maefsky
14925 Oakhill Road N.
Scandia, MN 55073
Dear Mayor Maefsky and City Council Members,
The St. Croix River Association is interested in decisions related to recently suggested
improvements or changes to Scandia's Log House Landing. Designated one of the nation's first
"Wild and Scenic" rivers and protected by the National Park Service for much of its journey, the
St. Croix enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors, supports critical habitat and
drives tourism and economic activity to nearby communities.
The SCRA's mission is to protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.
Through four program areas and with strategic partners, we work to ensure that:
• The St. Croix's water quality and ecological health are improved through private, federal,
state, and local investments that are strategically targeted to ensure maximum benefit.
• People of all ages and income levels can access the St. Croix, participate in education and
stewardship programs and enjoy the benefits of time spent on this special riverway.
• The public is increasingly aware of the St. Croix River's unique values and what is
required to protect its special qualities.
• Common sense policies and regulations affecting the St. Croix advance its protection and
are effectively implemented.
SCRA participated in earlier discussions regarding road erosion and possible safety issues with
the Log House Landing. We encourage maintaining public access to the St. Croix. It is important
to local residents and visitors alike. SCRA urges you to consider four important points relevant
to any access points along the Lower St. Croix.
Protect and Maintain Water Quality. Minimize runoff from the road into the river to
reduce detrimental effects of sediment loading. Maintain the boat ramp/access in such a
way that it does not add a significant amount of sediment to the river during heavy rain
events.
2. Preserve Wild and Scenic Values. SCRA serves as the Friends Group for the St. Croix
National Scenic Riverway. We strongly encourage Scandia to follow the National Park
Service's 2001 Cooperative Management Plan for the lower St Croix which reads in part:
"There should be no new or expanded boat ramps or car -trailer parking on the Lower St.
PO Box 655 • St. Croix Falls, Wl 54024 • (715) 483-3300
Nvww stcroixviverassociatioil. org
Croix.... State and local units of government are strongly encouraged to restrict parking
adjacent to all launch ramps, public and private, on lands under their jurisdiction. "
3. Maintain River Access. Maintain a functional boat ramp or access point that it allows the
public river access.
4. Protect and Restore Natural Resources. We believe that site should be maintained in such
a way that it preserves the area's rural character, and that the natural landscape is
minimally disturbed as the result of any maintenance or improvement work. Conserving
or planting trees, shrubs or other native plant life is critical to maintaining the viewshed
of the river, crucial to improve and prevent additional soil and bank erosion, and essential
to preserve the rural character and local environmental heritage.
The City of Scandia, Minnesota has a noble tag line: "Dedicated to Rural Community Values."
Maintaining or improving the Log House Landing in the right way could serve to advance
Scandia's vision. Ensuring this river access protects water quality and maintains the rural
character is a desirable outcome for everyone.
We urge you to work with interested stakeholders to reach an outcome good for the river and
good for people. Thank you for considering our input on a project that is important to protecting
a Wild and Scenic Riverway that so many of us value.
Sincerely,
&&
Deb Ryun, Executive Director
Cc: Bob Hegland, Steve Kronmiller, Chris Ness, Jim Schneider, Neil Soltis
Scandia website
From:
John Herman <johndiane.herman@gmail.com>
Sent:
Sunday, April 23, 2017 10:44 PM
To:
mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Cc:
Neil Soltis; Christine Maefsky
Subject:
Log House Landing
Dear Mayor Mayor Maefsky and members of the City Council:
Although my wife and I are regular users of the Log House Landing, we have not been previously involved in
the on-going conversations on the access. I definitely think that continuation of the access for kayak and canoe
is highly desirable. It offers a very good option to the longer trip to O'Brien and complements the other non -
motorized accesses on the Wisconsin side at the Swing Bridge and Farmington Township. The question is
whether to view this as a desirable access for motor boats.
I have never been bothered by the use of the landing by fishing boats, typically 3--5 boats are there on even the
busiest weekends. However, this landing is clearly not a reasonable place for major motor boat access. So I
would suggest either limitation to kayak and canoe or kayak and canoe plus local residents and 16 or 18 foot
boat length fishing boat access only.
Today I toured the William O'Brien Park ramp and the Log House ramp to allow me to make these comments
from first-hand knowledge. They are only 1 mile or so apart. I can say for certain that Log House would never
be considered by DNR, the NPS, the City or the County as a full service access today. At WO'B, the access
has:
1. fully paved two lane access to the ramp area on a road with no difficult sight lines or grade;
2. a gentle grade at the access making boat handling easy;
3. a good approach --straight in and a circular queue for waiting boats, so NO congestion problems; and
4. adjacent and easily accessible ample parking for car/trailer combinations.
None of these exist at Log House. The access is by difficult one lane road from the south and across the trail
tracks with a bad hump from the northwest. The road down to the access is steeper than desirable and a dirt
road. For the level of use, I cannot see the road itself as ever warranting upgrade. That would be hundreds of
thousands for a minimal and seasonal use. There is no queue space at the launch and no good parking adjacent
to the launch. This leads to congestion and many issues on the occasions when more than one car/trailer is
involved. Parking is awful and I cannot see any major potential for improvement. Almost always the trailers
are way up the hill, and so when car/trailer combos park, it is normally parallel on the road and it makes the
road one lane. The access itself is difficult or even treacherous. I have seen many boat owners have
considerable difficulty in the launchingibacking in the times I have been there, requiring multiple
approaches. This corkscrew arrangement cannot be corrected due to ownership and topography, and so the
access itself is not one that would ever be done today. Frankly it is also not at the right place either. A location
to the north, more equidistant between Osceola and O'Brien would be far more desirable.
My conclusion is that a major upgrade is not sensible. With WO'B only a mile away, why would we spend tens
of thousands to have a slightly better at best access here. This site just cannot be made to work right. Instead, I
think the City should look to a longer term solution in cooperation with the DNR and NPS if a motor boat
access is needed or desirable. Several properties further to the north offer such opportunity and the City could
wait until these sites are willing sellers and move forward then. All the sites I can envision as workable are
closer to the midpoint. I would suggest that the site be properly vegetated and made into a paddle only
access. Given the alternative available, at O'Brien, this seems sensible from a cost and maintenance perspective
and a minor inconvenience for access users.
I would also offer another option. We could make this a City resident only access for smaller fishing
boats. This could be done by imposing a length limit on boats using this access, e.g. 16 or 18 feet, and by
adding a fee for use payable to the City (it is a City road) comparable to the State Park sticker rate, e.g.
$25/year. If the City feels it needs to include non-residents the sticker for them could be $100, since they
otherwise pay nothing for road or access maintenance. My frank assessment is this would move all or most of
the traffic to William O'Brien, showing the desirability of paddle only conversion.
Thank you for considering Diane's and my comments. Please add them to the public record.
John and Diane Herman
Cedar Bend on St. Croix
23355 Quentin Ave. N
Scandia, MN 55073
612-718-3616
johndiane.lierman."ii", mail.coni
Scandia website
From: Todd Johnson <tjnordic2@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 8:51 PM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Log House Landing
To whom it may concern,
The proposed concrete ramp expansion for Log House Landing is not appropriate for this location. To fit in
with the National Park that the St. Croix River is, the best option is creating a walk in ramp.
There are already 2 wonderful concrete structures within 8 miles of Log House Landing. One 8 miles away at
the Osceola bridge crossing and the other only 2 miles away at O'Brien State Park. It seems overkill to have
another concrete boat ramp installed when there is already a number of them present.
Thank you for your time.
Todd Johnson
former Marine resident.
Scandia website
From: katherine lewis <kg1ewis1 @gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 1:43 PM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Log House Landing
I am writing out of concern over the prospective possible plans for the Log House Landing. I am in favor of the
option that will allow the site to retain its natural and rustic connection to the St. Croix River, which is the
carry -in option.
This river has been designated a Wild and Scenic River and needs to remain as wild and scenic as possible. A
concrete ramp would be very inappropriate, inviting large boats that are not in keeping with the wildness and
speed limits of the river. Also such a ramp has the possibility of being undercut by flood waters and creating a
very unnatural appearance. The carry in option is the only one that deals appropriately with the issue of erosion,
which has been one of Scandia's main concerns.
In addition, it is very expensive, and would take money that could best be used by the city of Scandia on other
projects that would serve the residents. A great many of the boat launchers at the Landing have not been from
Scandia. And the number of people using the site for boat launching from trailers is low: One more reason not
to spend a lot of money on the site.
The present traprock surface does not serve people who want to launch canoes or kayaks, or who want to fish or
walk along the bank. The carry in option would enable a lot more people to enjoy the landing. There are other
places nearby where boats can be launched from trailers, including William O'Brien State Park, just a mile to
the south.
It is a treasure, quiet, peaceful, shaded. And without the necessity for a large turnaround area, there will be room
for other amenities appropriate to the site.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Kathy Lewis, 20453 Quinnell Ave. N., Scandia
Scandia website
From: John Hovanec <johnjhovanec@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 1:08 PM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Protect Scandia's_Log House Landing Ramp From Overdevelopment.
I'm a canoe c9uyy. The little access place is perfect as it. It feeds into the section of
the river whici� is pretty much canoe and kayak only. There is no need what so ever for
the larger landing to accommodate larger, faster boats into this "no wake" portion of the
river. The noisy, go fast crowd already has the entire river south of Marine on the St
Croix. Please, please prevent this over -development.... it is unneeded and
unwanted. Even my boating friends want to be south in the River.
John Hovanec
1010 old Long Lake Road
Wayzata, MN
Neil Soltis
From: c.maefsky@ci.scandia.mn.us
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 10:31 AM
To: Neil Soltis
Subject: Fwd: Log House Landing - To be included in April 25th materials
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Log House Landing
Date: 2017-04-23 09:54
From: Cristina de Sobrino <cdesobrino@gmail.com>
To: c.maefsky@ci.scandia.mn.us
Dear Mayor Maefsky,
I support the carry -in option for Log House Landing. It is my understanding that the original purpose for the review was
to address concerns about erosion for the lowest cost. I hear a lot from council members about how we need to reduce
costs in our city. The concrete ramp does not seem to be a cost effective solution to this problem.
There is no need for a trailer access at this point. The road is not designed to support large boats and trailers and
building a concrete ramp will likely increase use by heavy vehicles and require more maintenance. There are two other
access points nearby, one of which is free, and one of which requires a $30 annual state park permit. If boaters cannot
afford to support our state park system with a $30 annual fee, perhaps they should reevaluate their budgeting decisions.
Thirdly, the concrete boat ramp will despoil this natural rural site.
The landing is on Minnesota's only national scenic river. You have a responsibility to preserve the site. Many of us have
lamented the loss of one of the important natural areas of our childhood. We don't want to be responsible for the loss
of yet another natural area. A large concrete boat ramp would be the start of that process for Log House Landing
Thank you for your service to the community,
Cristina de Sobrino
21590 Olinda Tr N
Scandia, MN
651472 7045
Scandia website
From: Lynn Stryker <Ifstryker@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 9:31 AM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Re: Log House Landing Maintenance
As a long-time visitor to the area, please hold the line to preserve at least one small part of the beauty of the
St. Croix river. I am in favor of the restoration and Carry -in Option for the Log House Landing since there are
other options for those wishing to access the river with large vehicles. I still visit (and spend money at
local businesses) as I have since childhood because my grandparents had a cabin in Marine for decades.
Please think again before chipping away at the beauty that drew you, as well as those earlier residents, to the
wild and lovely stretch of the treasure of the St. Croix.
With respect,
Lynn Stryker
Neil Soltis
From: c.maefsky@ci.scandia.mn.us
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 9:15 AM
To: Neil Soltis
Subject: For April 25th packet
Attachments: 4-14-17 William O'Brien State Park Water Access Letter.docx
Good morning Neil,
Attached is a letter from the William O'Brien Park Manager that I received awhile ago; I thought you had it also, but
don't see it in the packet. Please add.
Thanks.
Christine
;h DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES
Dear Scandia City Councilmembers,
It is my understanding that you are considering several ramp access options for the Log House
Landing on the St Croix River. I was hoping to attend your public hearing on the 25th of this
month, but unfortunately I have a conflict that night. I wanted to be there to answer any
questions that might arise regarding the use of William O'Brien State Park's water access on the
St. Croix River.
Since I am unable to attend the hearing, I thought it might be helpful for you to have some
basic information about William O'Brien State Park and the water access we provide. The
following is a brief description of the Park and our rules and regulations:
William O'Brien State Park Water Access:
• Entrance is located in Scandia 2 miles south of Log House Landing.
• Easy gradual concrete ramp with a dock for trailered boats
• Trailer parking available on paved service.
• Other recreational facilities provided: restrooms, picnic tables, drinking water, camping,
etc...
• Open 3 seasons
• Park hours are 8:00am—10:00pm with earlier access available to hunting and fishing
persons
• Annual pass $25 / Day pass $5
Please let me know if you have any additional questions about our State Park facility.
Wayne Boerner
Park Manager
Phone: 651.433.0500 ext. 224
Email: wavne.boerner@state.mn.us
Scandia website
From: Kristin Tuenge <ketuenge50@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 9:02 AM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: LogHouse Landing
Dear Mayor and City Council Members
I am writing as a citizen who has lived on the corner of Quinnell and 209th for over 33 years. As a result, I see
90 percent of the people who use the landing as they go right around my corner. The most consistent usage is
by people who walk their children with strollers and or dogs down Quinnell and 209th to go see the river. This
happens year around and has increased over the last several years..
The other major change I see is many, many more Kayakers. Yesterday alone (4/22) there was constant kayak
traffic (often 2 or 3 per vehicle) along with several fishing boats throughout the day. As you know, the usage
depends upon the weather that day, how high the river is and whether it's a weekend or not. Unfortunately many
of the vehicles are going very fast, definitely over 30 miles per hour. I think there should be a sigh towards the
top of Quinnell that says SLOW DOWN and QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD.
If the city is serious about stopping erosion and highlighting Scandia's history at the Landing, the best option is
#3- CARRY IN ONLY. There are 2 other boat ramps for fishing boats within 6 miles of here. It would be most
cost effective to restore the Landing to a natural habitat that EVERYONE can enjoy -That option would
enhance Scandia becoming a destination that highlights it's unique history.
Kristin Tuenge
651-433-3763
Scandia website
From: Piers Lewis <pierslewis@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 2:35 AM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Copas/log house landing
To Mayor Maefsky and the members of the Scandia City Council:
As a Scandia taxpayer, I respectfully ask you to vote to return the Copas/log house landing to its previous carry -in only use
Otherwise, the expense and engineering necessary is completely disproportionate to the level of use this landing gets, as well
as inappropriate for its location and configuration.
With a concrete slab, you're aware, aren't you, that high water will erode under any concrete and undermine it, right?
My family's property is immediately south of the landing. I'd like to note that the portion of the landing out of which the ramp was
carved in the 1960s was given to Scandia by my family in the 1930s with the stipulation that the landing be maintained as a
park. For 30 years, Scandia respected this. The ramp should never have been installed to begin with.
(Formerly, fishermen kept their boats tied up along the shore. Perhaps something along these lines could be reinstated. A dock,
perhaps?)
Furthermore, at least three times, to my knowledge, vehicles using the ramp have rolled into the river and become submerged --
it is lucky that people in the vehicles were able to get out in time. Once, it was in the middle of the night and the young couple
had been drinking. With the steepness of the bank, if the current trailer use and lack of hours or any other kind of monitoring or
regulation continues, I should think that Scandia leaves itself vulnerable to lawsuit when somebody does not escape from their
vehicle in time.
Having said that, IF it were possible to solve the current ramp's problems of erosion and navigability with a cheap and non-
invasive application of simple concrete planks and re -vegetation (and if Scandia were ok with the risk of human error leading to
a tragedy of the sort I just mentioned), fine. But I gather that no such minimal solution is possible, and I absolutely oppose the
enlargement and covering of this ramp with a concrete slab, and all that that would entail.
One more thing: You're aware, aren't you, that high water will erode under any concrete and undermine it, right?
Again, go with the carry -in option.
Piers Lewis
20453 Quinnell Avenue N.
Scandia
Scandia website
From: k.m.lewis <kmlewis4@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2017 1:49 AM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Log house landing ramp
Dear Scandia City Council and Mayor Maefsky,
Re the Log House Landing:
Considering the existence of other nearby landings that are trailer -friendly
particularly the excellent paved ramp just one mile downstream at O'Brien
it seems to me that, of the four options, carry -in is the only one that
makes sense.
First,
remember that this landing is visited by an average of only four vehicles a day, and half of those are
kayaks/canoes)
Second, carry -in a
ccomplishes all of the following:
- saves taxpayer dollars
- controls erosion
- enables access to the river for the widest array of users
- maintains simple, rustic, natural character
- respects historic significance
I urge you to support the carry -in option.
Thank you,
Katherine M Lewis
20453 Quinnell Ave
Scandia, MN 55073
Scandia website
From: mellhinz <mellhinz@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2017 12:16 PM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Log house
I recommend to widen and pave.
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE smartphone
Scandia website
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear City Council Members:
Caroline Heald <cemmetheald@gmail.com>
Saturday, April 22, 2017 12:10 PM
mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Log House Landing: Please Vote for Carry -in Only
Please preserve the quiet and the woods at this location, and restrict the public landing to carry -in only.
When my grandparents and great aunts and uncles gave this land to the city of Scandia, they stipulated that you
maintain the landing as a park. They wanted to share both access to the St. Croix River and the experience of
the landing area itself with the general public. If the hillside is graded and rebuilt to accommodate a concrete
boat ramp, many trees will come down. While it would increase river access to motor boat operators and
fishermen -- a good thing -- it would also destroy the natural charm of the landing itself -- a very bad thing.
On balance, I think it is better for boaters and fishermen to use the ramp at O'Brien State park, which is only a
mile away.
Caroline Emmet Heald
Rixeyville, Virginia
April 22, 2017
To: Scandia City Council and/or Planning Commission.
RE: My comments on the Log House Landing, Scandia, MN
The Log House Landing has provided our family with great access to the public waterways of the St.
Croix for kayaking and canoeing. I am no spring chicken anymore but still enjoy getting to the river for a
paddle up to the railroad bridge and a float back down to the landing. This park is a great asset to Scandia.
After rain events, the landing has the potential to be an `ankle breaker' when walking the vessels up or
down the ramp to the river. Improvements have to be made to this facility — not just because we are
washing gravel into the river — but because it is dangerous!
I picture the ongoing upkeep on this facility to be expensive. Without any expertise in this arena, I believe
that upgrading this facility could reduce maintenance costs in the long run.
While being self employed and traveling extensively, until recently, I was unable to follow the events that
occurred which ended in the loss of MN DNR funding for the needed facility upgrades. There was great
disappointment when discovering this opportunity was lost.
My son and his family moved into Scandia a couple of years ago and I am looking forward to the time
when I can take my grandchildren with me on my paddles. I am also hopeful my grandchildren will be
able to gain safe access to the St. Croix with their offspring and for generations to come. I am hoping the
Log House Landing will always facilitate public access — but sometimes fear we may lose this gem due to
pressures by small groups.
This facility is due some upgrades. Please take the long view when making your decision and consider the
community as a whole.
Thank you,
John Maloney
22190 Olinda Trail N.
Scandia, MN
Scandia website
From: john drucker <toocrabbie@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2017 8:19 AM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Log House Landing
Admittedly I am a carry in user of Log House Landing. It is a wonderful little site that I would love to see preserved. This
includes both the landing itself and the river to which it allows access. When out on the river, the people powered craft
and the wildlife both appreciate not having noisy motors in the environment. Maybe we should
consider that motor limits may come from the national scenic river regulators in the future too and not spend now to
accommodate them when they may be limited in the future.
I do not wish to exclude people who cannot paddle themselves from enjoying the river. Now that numbers are known,
does it make sense to spend a lot of money to make this ramp accessible for bigger boats when a small number actually
use it? Since there are access points both north and south of this site, directing bigger boat traffic there may make
sense. Also, the commercial passenger boats from farther north provide good tours of the river to many who don't even
own boats. There is access to the river for people who use motor boats. Does that need to include Log House Landing?
As a regular user and friend of the river, I am strongly in favor of the carry in option for this site.
Terry Swanson=
Scandia website
From: Georgiana Anderson <simba@backpack.net>
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 6:01 PM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: I support the NON CONCRETE OPTION>NO TO CONCRETE>
Georgiana anderson
20453 quinnell
scandia
1
Scandia website
From: Rita Erickson <ritaje@frontiernet.net>
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 3:13 PM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Log House Landing -- "Carry In"
Hello!
Because I will not be able to attend the April 25 meeting, I want to voice my support for the Carry -in option
under consideration for the Log House Landing.
This makes the most sense in terms of preserving the "wild and scenic" character of the beautiful St. Croix.
Thank you,
Rita Erickson
21590 Pomroy Avenue North
Scandia
Scandia website
From: Erich Kertzscher <ekertzscher@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2017 1:55 PM
To: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Cc: c.maefsky@ci.scandia.mn.us; j.schneider@ci.scandia.mn.us; Chris Ness; Bob Hegland;
s.kronmiller@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: Loghouse Landing Written Option Vesus Speaking at the Meeting.
so
As a long time citizen of Scandia, I wanted to give you my opinion on the Log House issue, if it matters. After looking at all
the options for improvements on the table I've heard some plans that could be good in some ways and others not so
much. I would like to say I want Log House Landing to stay the way it is. As far as the access is concerned, it has not
changed since I was a young teen launching my boat to motor up stream for a camping weekend with friends. Your skills
at backing a trailer were well honed. When we had the gulley washer rains that would erode some of the middle path, you
had to be even better at your trailer backing skills. Then in time, the township would add some gravel and that would solve
the issue for a cost effective period of time. This fix has solved or patched the erosion control issue for years on end. The
same sediment has entered the river the same way it has over all these years.
As far as access issues, I totally oppose closing this or leaving this landing for just walk in traffic or canoe or kayak only
drops. Today, I enjoy my short trip to the river with my duck boat in tow when hunting season begins. Trailering your
boat and launching at Log House has to be an option.
We all know this issue would be null and void if a couple people in the area wouldn't have raised some heat thinking
this landing and the area around it was all theirs. Once the River became a National Park, the dynamics changed and
ultimately it added a bit more map presence. Did I like that, no, but I had no choice in the matter. I along with everyone
else have adapted to the new rules of the river. If I choose to access this river via Log House Landing, I should be able to
do so as I've done for the last 37+ years of my 51 years living in Scandia. AND so should anyone else.
Thanks for allowing my opinion on the matter.
Respectfully,
Erich Kertzscher
Scandia Mn
Scandia website
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Scandia Council
James Wm Johnson <jas.wm Johnson@gmail.com>
Monday, April 24, 2017 2:53 PM
mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Carry -In for the Log House Landing Ramp
As a former governor -appointed Minnesota -Wisconsin Boundary Area Commission Board
Member, a Mayor of Marine on St. Croix, and one of only two persons intimately involved with the
preparation of both the original and second Lower St Croix Master Plans (the other individual was
a paid staffer), I feel qualified to speak out re Carry -In for the Log House Landing Ramp. Thank
you for the opportunity.
This is an important action for you to take. Every municipality has an opportunity with our short
window to do what it can to protect natural resources for future generations, or else forever lose the
chance. Sometimes something as minor as a carry -in versus its alternative might seems minimal,
but it all adds up.
An upgrade of the landing versus a downgrade adds still one more dimension to the degradation of
the riparian lands and to this nationally protected river. Less than 1/4 of 1% of our U.S. rivers are
so protected. litil)s://www.rivers.govl
In the original first draft of the Master Plan (which I recall is in my papers on the subject in
Minnesota Historical Society Library) ... back in the seventies ... the landing was programmed to
remain carry -in. (Carry -in is basically what the landing was at that writing. Boater access was
problematical, to say the least.)
Boaters objected strenuously citing no other close available options. Of course, since that time, a
major boating landing at O'Brien State Park has been installed to supplement the Marine Landing.
Log House Landing can return to its originally intended purpose and recommended designation
without any hardship to trailered boat users, who now have several excellent and convenient
alternatives.
I ask you to reflect on how Log House Landing Ramp would look today if the Carry -In had been
adopted in the first Master Plan. Without the trailered vehicle traffic, the ramp and landing would
be natural and scenic from the river and the natural grasses and vegetation on the landing would be
flourishing. It would be a very inviting National Park setting for locals and visitors alike.
You have an opportunity to undo the damage done and promote a vision for something better.
In the words, authored by my late mentors Ray and Marge Humphries, over a half -century ago:
WMANWI l �f.`]I IT�;DIM
Thank you for consideration of my comments,
James Wm Johnson
A St. Croix River Resident during six decades
Cell 651.699.0396